DISCIPLINE - LEADERSHIP - TEAMWORK
Central Ohio Young Marines
Who We Are
The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through high school graduation. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The program focuses on character building, leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Young Marines is the focal point for the U.S. Marine Corps' Youth Drug Demand Reduction efforts.
Central Ohio Young Marines received its startup charter in October 2011, making it one of the nation's newest units.
Membership
The Young Marines is open to all youth ages 8 through completion of high school. The only membership requirement is that the youth must be in good standing at school. Since the Young Marines' humble beginnings, in 1958, with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 300 units with 10,000 youth and 3,000 adult volunteers in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Germany, Japan, and affiliates in a host of other countries.
Our Volunteers
Young Marines units are community-based programs lead by dedicated adult volunteers. Many of these volunteers are former, retired, active duty, or reserve Marines who believe passionately that the values they learned as Marines had a positive affect on them. It is through these caring adults that Young Marines learn the inner values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Adult volunteers are individually screened by the National Headquarters based on background information and recommendations provided with each person's registration.
Central Ohio Young Marines are led by Commanding Officer Ed Evans (USMC 1965-1969). He is assisted by staff members Dan Willoughby (USMC 1968-1975), Gean Vanhouse (USMC 1956-1976), Don Wojciechowski (USMC 1981-1988), Susan Daood (USMC 1984 -2006), Jenny Jenkins (USMC/R 1991-2012), and Joe Bennett (USMC/R 1995-98).
Training
Upon joining a local Young Marines unit, youth undergo a 26-hour orientation program, generally spread out over several weekly meetings. This orientation program is affectionately called "Boot Camp." The youth learn general subjects such as history, customs and courtesies, close order drill, physical fitness, and military rank structure. After graduating from Young Marines "Boot Camp", the youth have the opportunity to learn more new skills, earn rank, wear the Young Marines uniform and work toward ribbon awards. Young Marines earn ribbons for achievement in areas such as leadership, community service, swimming, academic excellence, first aid, and drug resistance education.
Central Ohio Young Marines meetings will typically be held 2-3x each month in Plain City, beginning March 17, 2012. Please contact a staff member for meeting dates, times, and locations.
Awards
The Young Marines is the proud four-time recipient of the Department of Defense's Fulcrum Shield Award for Excellence in Youth Anti-Drug Programs. The award recognizes military-affiliated youth organizations around the world that have made concerted efforts at spreading anti-drug messages throughout their communities. The first award was presented to the Young Marines National Headquarters and the second to the Bakersfield Young Marines unit in California.
Central Ohio Young Marines on Facebook
Unit members are invited to join the Central Ohio Young Marines group on Facebook to check for scheduling updates, post and view photos and videos, etc. Contact a staff member for details.
Mission
The mission of the Young Marines is to positively impact America's future by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a
healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Motto
Strengthening the lives of America's youth.
Young Marine Obligation
From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon God, my Country and its flag, my parents, myself or the Young Marines. These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself. Semper Fidelis.
Young Marine Creed
1. Obey my parents and all others in charge of me whether young or old.
2. Keep myself neat at all times without other people telling me to.
3. Keep myself clean in mind by attending the church of my faith.
4. Keep my mind alert to learn in school, at home, or at play.
5. Remember having self-discipline will enable me to control my body and mind in case of an emergency.
